Chapter 8: Storm
Welcome back! My dear Beta, 2old2care had a lot of RL concerns to deal with last year, but she's asking me for Chapter 8 now, so be ready for more. I'm very excited as this is my favourite fic to write. Thanks Boston, with love from Ontario.
As many of you know, a publisher approached me to write an original fiction. It's now in the hands of Acquisitions, and I'm hoping for good news. I will continue to provide you with stories on ffnet, and have no intention of abandoning or pulling any of my stories. I have 15 more chapters of this story roughed out, although it's not complete yet, and many more stories to give you. I will be putting Twifiles on temporary hiatus, however, as its next chapter contains too many spoilers for the series. I need to give you a lot more chapters of the UE Series first.
Please check out my story 'Cats and Dogs'. It's on my Profile. It's my first AH, written for Bobby Dupea/Autism Speaks. I'd really love your feedback on my stories. Writers love to know that you love a story, even if it's old. I'll even settle for a smiley-face (Ahem: janiriki, you and Smeagol give me 20 smiley-faces in a row again, I'm gonna have to send Ed down to your part of the world to kill ya).
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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is merely coincidental.
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This chapter's selections begin at #17:
'Into the Fire', by Thirteen Senses
'Blue Sunshine', by Blue October
'Comatose', by Skillet
*~`*~o~*`~*
You say
Words don't mean a thing
You say
Words don't mean a thing
-'Broken Bridges' (Irish Traditional)
Tuesday, January 27th, 2004, circa 2:30pm:
Bella and I instinctively took a step closer together, so that we were hip to hip. Yep, Charlie Swan's cruiser was barrelling up the road to the school, with lights, sirens, and the whole shebang. He couldn't have drawn more attention to us, had he painted red targets on our foreheads. Fuck my life. Carlisle is going to be pissed. And one guess: who was speeding up behind the cruiser? Blond driver, red Merc. And way, way back, an old clunker chased it: a 1964 Chevy Impala Station Wagon. Geez. What is it with driving old cars around here? That thing's rust is the only thing holding it together. And it's a V8. Aren't these people at all concerned with global warming?
It was all I could do not to pick up Bella Swan and pelt into the forest with her, suspended over my head like a trophy, screaming like a sissy. The hounds of Hell were, after all, after us. I couldn't quite decide: of which of the three individuals ought I to be most afraid?
Carlisle. Definitely Carlisle.
With precision, Charlie Swan slowed and slid the cruiser into a spot precisely in front of us, killing the siren. I had to admire his driving. Bella cringed against me. Without taking my eyes off of Charlie, whose eyes seemed destined to scorch me to cinders, I groped blindly for her hand. He put his booted foot on the ground, and stood smartly, slamming the car door. I stifled the urge to bolt. Students were now hanging eagerly out of the windows of the school in hopes of a better view of the proceedings. Thankfully, we were on the far side of the parking lot. However, I knew I was in deep, deep doo doo with Carlisle for drawing attention to myself.
Carlisle parked the Merc and exited it with the dignity and restraint apropos to his station. It was obvious that he was absolutely furious, but he couldn't hold a candle to Charlie, whose moustache was quivering with rage. Bella and I both gulped.
Bella's father stood in front of us with his arms crossed. "Would you two care to explain to me why I received a phone call from the school principal, to inform me that my daughter walked into the office, slammed the door so hard against the wall that she knocked Mrs Cope's infamous pet plant Stanley off a shelf," he growled, eyes sliding from me to Bella, "then supposedly threatened another student so viciously that he threw money down to pay for the damages, and ran out, leaving Mrs Cope fearing for his safety? She seems to think you're some kind of abusive girlfriend, Isabella Marie." ... only ... here... weeks.
Huh. I realized his thoughts were hard to read. I hadn't really noticed before. Perhaps he was easier to read when he wasn't on his guard. Interesting.
Wait, Bella didn't threaten anybody. What on earth is he... ? Then, I realized that Mrs Cope was talking about me. "She thinks Bella is abusing me? This little lamb, here?" I grinned. Bella and I both snorted, and collapsed in mildly hysterical laughter into each other's arms.
Laughing was probably not the best way to behave, in light of the situation.
"This. is. Not. Funny," Carlisle declared, glaring. We gulped, sobering up instantly. The white Station Wagon clattered to a halt with a belch of black smoke, and a young man of about twenty-two got out. Billy Black was sitting in the passenger seat. Oh, boy. I shivered, and realized that everyone thought I looked awfully pale. Carlisle's eyes flickered to the newcomer, then back to us. "Explain yourselves."
◊Holy crow! Charlie and Carlisle kind of look like bookends. Only nobody would use bookends that scary. They're a united front. Who knew? And who is this young guy with Billy, anyhow? How is he going to explain his presence? Cover, Cullen. Use those mad lying skills of yours. I cleared my throat. "Um, Mrs Cope …" has a crush on me "is way too over-protective. Because of my health. You know." Of course, the dazzle might have had something to do with that. "Bella wasn't aggressive with me in the least. She was just mad because I was dropping Biology, and she shoved the door open, and the plant fell off the shelf and broke. Not the best place to put a plant, is it? Obviously the shelf was very unstable if it came down when the door slammed. Bella might have been hurt. However, it was my fault she was upset, so I left money to pay for the damages, and then I brought Bella out here to talk, so we weren't making a scene. Because we were both crying in class, and it's kinda mortifying, you know?"
Carlisle twirled his finger, indicating that he wanted me to 'rewind'. "Hold on. Back up a mo'. What do you mean, you were dropping Biology?"
I shrank back a little, but then realized that Charlie was wondering if I were afraid of Carlisle. I did my best to straighten up. It wasn't easy. I was flipping terrified of him. He had never physically dominated me before, but there was always a first time. "Um, I missed so much school that I was having difficulty catching up? So I asked if I could take something easier? Because I'm stressed out, and I haven't been well?"
◊Why do all my statements sound like questions? I must be really worried that the humans aren't going to buy this. Carlisle, are you going to give me a chance to explain later? Are you horribly mad at me?
Carlisle's eyes could have set off a nuclear reactor.
◊I'll take that as a 'yes'.
He crossed his arms. "Bollocks. If you were old enough and had your credentials, you could teach Biology at Oxford."
I couldn't look at my Dom. That seemed to be happening a lot of late. "We had an argument," I muttered, not looking at my m-mate. Through Charlie and Carlisle's minds, I Saw both sets of parental eyes slide over to Bella, who turned deliciously pink.
"It's Billy's fault!" Bella spat. I looked up proudly. My m-mate was defending us. Sweet.
"Huh?" both fathers gawped. Of course Carlisle was just playing along. He already knew that.
"He's threatening Edward," she said loudly, pointing her arm accusingly at the clunker. Inside it, Billy shrank a little.
"Explain," Charlie said, his eyes narrowed dangerously. He was starting to look like Dirty Harry. Or maybe ... Charles Bronson.
"The people at the Rez dislike the Cullens for no good reason, because of their va-ahh... health conditions," Bella huffed.
Vee Dee? Charlie thought, alarmed.
Super. Could my existence get any more fucked up?
Bella glared at her father. "Billy told me, night before last -When he was over- That Edward was dangerous and he wasn't any good for me." She crossed her arms defiantly. "He told Edward to stay away from me or else he and the Kwoli would come after Edward and his family."
◊Ohmygod she is defending me. That. Is. So. Hawt. I gave my mate an approving look.
"Edward is terrified. Just look at the note he wrote me." She handed the note to Charlie, who perused it silently, then handed it to Carlisle, who then glared at Black. See what happens when you pass notes? You end up with a war!
The young Kwoli Warrior standing with our fathers growled menacingly. ◊Hey, why is he wearing nothing but black shorts and white sneakers in the middle of winter? I answered myself: So he doesn't wreck his clothes when he turns into a giant wolf, moron. I backed up a step, pulling Bella with me.
Great Kweetie, I wish I could have had Sam bring me, rather than Paul, Black thought tensely. If he phases it's going to get really bad, really fast. I shouldn't have come. I never dreamed they'd tell on us. Damn bloodsuckers.
Charlie turned on Paul. "Who the hell are you, and what is your business in this?" he growled.
"I'm Paul Hudson," the Kwoli announced, "and Billy asked me to bring him." He crossed his arms and leaned toward Bella, which I did not like in the least. I growled at him sub-audibly. "We're very concerned about the welfare of your daughter," he told Charlie, looking daggers at me.
"Get in the car," Charlie directed. Huffing indignantly, Hudson complied, but he left the window rolled down. Both Quileute were practically hanging out the window, trying not to miss anything. Bloody dogs. Charlie frowned at them, perplexed. Then, he stepped right up to me and lowered his voice. "This true, Edward?"
I nodded, eyeing Black's dog nervously. His teeth were bared. How was I to protect my Bella if he started a fight here?
Carlisle indignantly marched right up to the Station Wagon's passenger-side window. "I told you my son would never harm this girl. Why must you be so difficult?"
"Back up, Doc," Charlie said authoritatively. "You just let me handle it." ... take this kid down if I have to…
Hudson's hands were flexing on the steering wheel. He seemed to shimmer around the edges. Charlie noticed. He looked worriedly back over his shoulder at me. I had pressed his daughter behind me, and sunk part-way into a protective crouch. It seemed to please him. Can concentrate … Paul… fine young …son… Cullen. Charlie's head snapped back around and he addressed both Quileute with determination. "Billy, you had no business coming here today."
"I was trying to protect your daughter!" Black huffed angrily. Bella clutched me around the middle from behind. Her heart was flying. I hushed her, pressing her back, and tried to ignore the fact that portions of her anatomy were touching portions of mine that were sadly neglected. Bad timing or what?
Charlie nodded, looking sardonic. "And what exactly are you protecting her from? If the Cullens have committed any crime you know about, you had better come clean."
"They haven't done anything I can prove," Black spat.
"If you have information concerning any crime, you had best bring it forward," Charlie advised. Black was stumped. He and his dog pouted angrily.
"They're murderers. All of their kind are," Black asserted.
Carlisle and I were -to use his word- gobsmacked. We gawped at the Kwoli Ute Chief, surprised beyond belief that he had the audacity to blatantly break the Treaty, right in front of us. Charlie misread our shock as a reaction to being accused.
"That's a serious charge," Charlie said, not believing a word of it. "Do you have any proof?"
"Charlie, you're siding with them?" Black gaped. "We've been friends since fourth grade!"
"Proof, Billy?" Charlie asked coldly. Never. Liked...Cullens.
"No, but they're like all of their kind. They use hu- other people, an-an-and discard them. Or else they poison them, so they-"
"Their kind?" Charlie interrupted, head cocked a little to the side.
"P-people like them," Black said, gesturing at us. He was starting to sweat. I am in so much shit! Why did I come here?
Carlisle was thinking on his feet. "I'm going to sue you for slander!" he gasped. "You're just prejudiced because of our health condition, and because my children have highly-disturbing, troubled pasts. They're good children, though, Mr Black, as I've told you before. They wouldn't dream of harming anyone. They might get into a bit of trouble occasionally, like any teenagers, but-"
"Now, gentlemen, I have heard just about enough," Charlie snapped. "You are sounding pretty prejudiced right now, Billy, and I could take you in for making threats against a minor. You have never liked the Cullens, and you won't give me any good reason for it. Edward is a nice boy, he's been a perfect gentleman around my daughter, and he's always respectful to adults. I would really hate to have to testify against my friend in a civil court-"
See? Being more mature than my mate's father was working. He liked me in spite of himself.
"-I don't really want to pursue this," Carlisle asserted, frowning. "It would just put my family under more stress. It's not easy for my kids, you know. They all have enough on their plates. Their health is a constant battle, and some of their birth families were awfully abusive, and Edward's been ill. We've all been so worried-"
"Yeah. Edward has been ill," Black snapped. "Why don't you tell Charlie how his daughter could get ill, too!"
Charlie looked at me warily, and I suppressed my guilt. He was a cop, and could doubtless smell a guilty conscience a mile away.
Carlisle laughed incredulously. "Come, now, Mr Black! She is not going to catch anything from him through casual touches. But you're frightening them. The last thing any of us want is for the pair of them to run away from home. My professional opinion is that Edward will not be capable of infecting her, even should they become serious someday. Trust me, my children do not take physical contact lightly. They are very, very careful about it, and they only date people about whom they care a very great deal. It's part of why they tend to stick to themselves. Bella is a lovely girl, and I'm certain Edward will treat her as though she is precious."
Edward ... better, Charlie thought. And he'd better stay out of her pants, too. Looks ... Bells .. having a little talk.
Really super.
"Bullshit," Hudson snarled.
"Doc, we done?" Charlie asked again. -be a relief.
"Yes."
"Billy, I'm filing a report about this whole incident, but I'm warning you, leave the Cullens alone. If there's any more harassment, I will have to press charges against my best friend. Now, I expect you not to fuss Bells about this, either. She's a smart young lady, and she can make decisions about who she wants to date, all by herself. Don't push this, or I'll be forced to put out a restraining order, understand?"
◊Hoo hoo, I am the man! Charlie thinks I'm a good boy and he doesn't mind me dating Bella. Yay!
Black's eyes lit up with rage. Whoa. I checked that Bella was still safely behind my back. "Yeah. I understand. I understand that you're trusting a leech more than me."
Charlie shook his head in disbelief. "I never would have expected this from you, Billy."
"You'll be sorry someday," Black asserted. "Paul? Take me home."
Both men glared at me. We'll be watching you.
In Carlisle's mind, I saw myself turn white as a ghost. Hudson revved the engine and backed the car up, his mind full of hateful epithets. I never dreamed he and Black hated me so much. Had I not been good for more than eighty years? I had even told Bella to thank him for protecting her. From me. But I didn't quite realize that he was going to blanket my family with the label of murderers, when we had worked so hard to change. That wasn't fair. Carlisle had never killed anyone. He had saved so many human lives.
It made me feel rebellious, like I should be standing up for myself. But then, a familiar feeling came over me: that of being watched. The ghosts of my victims peered over my shoulder, telling me that Billy Black was right about me. I was a murderer. I could never wash away the blood. I had taken it right into my body, and it was part of me forever. It would be far too easy for me to slip, and the girl I loved would be snuffed out like a candle. And even if I didn't slip, if I maintained control, I would be pulling her down with me into a dark life, full of violence and danger: one where the Kwoli Ute would be watching and waiting for an opportunity to lash out at us. Even though I sought to be good, evil followed us. It was a simple fact of our existence. What I wanted for myself, and what I could have, was not necessarily the same thing.
"Edward?" my father checked, alarmed by my expression. What are you thinking?
I stared fearfully at the back of the departing car. "They're going to come after me. I don't dare see Bella anymore," I said fretfully.
"They won't push it, boy. You'll be fine." Charlie slapped me on the shoulder. He was still furious with his best friend.
"They have a big gang," I asserted. "They go around dressed like that guy in the shorts, and they all have that wolf tattoo on their shoulders. They've been taunting me and my siblings ever since we came here. I can't protect Bella from them."
Charlie's mouth turned down as he watched the rusty white Station Wagon depart. "I think it would be a good idea if you didn't go anywhere alone for a while, Edward. Just until this settles down."
"Yes, sir," I murmured. Victim. Hah. I am now the victim. God really has a sense of humour.
Charlie sighed hugely, and put his notebook and pencil back in his pocket. "All right. Let's go talk to Mr Green. Next time, Edward, come to us. Get some help rather than letting the bullies win. And Bella? Violence never solves anything."
"Amen," Carlisle said.
This might be the first time in recorded history that humans defended vampires against werewolves, and vampires let them. I would have to note it in my journal in order to sort out my muddled mind. Writing in it often helps me achieve clarity.
My defenders all marched me into the school together, provoking some curious looks and thoughts from the students and teachers. Charlie bee-lined for the Office. He looked sternly at Em and Jazz, who were standing on either side of the door like sentinels. "Go back to class, boys," he ordered them, holding the door open for our group.
The broken pottery had been cleared away, and a somewhat dilapidated Stanley sat in a new pot upon the shelf.
"Darla," Charlie said gruffly to Mrs Cope.
"Oh, em, hello Chief. I'll tell Mr Green you're all waiting, shall I?" she said nervously. I wonder if I over-reacted.
"Please," he replied. A moment later, we were ushered into the principal's office.
"Hi, Dave," Charlie said, holding out his hand to Mr Green, who shook it.
"Charlie. Pretty serious problem here." Green indicated the two wooden chairs in front of his desk, and Bella and I slunk into them. Our fathers stood behind us, in more ways than one. I Watched Chief Swan through our principal's eyes.
"More serious than you know." Charlie rested his hands on his gun belt. "Edward's being bullied by some gang of kids at the Rez. I trust you can keep this under your hat, Dave."
Mr Green set down his pen and folded his hands on the desk. "All right, Charlie, let's hear it." This had better be good. I never thought Charlie would ask for special favours for his daughter.
Charlie frowned pensively. Can't … Billy. "Night before last one of the Elders threatened Edward. Told him this gang would be sent after him and his family if he didn't leave Bella alone. Edward broke it off with Bella last night, and she had a meltdown today. What we got here are two frightened seventeen-year-old kids. I sure would appreciate it if you didn't press any charges. I'm gonna head to LaPush after this, and warn the gang members off."
Like that would do any good?
The young men were always sneering at me, telling me that they couldn't wait for one of my family to break the Treaty so they could wipe us out. Not knowing I could read minds, they didn't censor their thoughts. Their fantasies were graphic and violent. Since they believed we were nothing but walking corpses, they had no compunction about killing us. One of the younger boys even fantasized about molesting Rosalie. The only things that held him back were the Treaty, and a healthy fear of Emmett. Not only were the Wolves young, with an outlandishly high opinion of themselves reinforced by their tribe, they were ruled by elevated testosterone. There was no way that a tap on the wrist from Charlie Swan for bullying was going to keep them from attacking one of us in a moment of impulse.
"I'm sure now that we all know what's going on, there won't be any more trouble from either of them." Charlie frowned down at us. It was actually a little intimidating. "Will there, kids?"
"No, Sir. No more trouble," I said, heartbroken all over again. I had already gotten Bella into hot water, which was another reason that I ought to stay away, but how could I leave her alone? She needed protection and if I wasn't there...
Then again, the Kwoli Ute wouldn't bother her, if I were not part of her life.
If we stayed together, there was no way I could protect her at every instant from those aggressive, unpredictable wolves. Somehow, I had to find the fortitude to give her up.
"No, Dad. No trouble," Bella declared, watching me warily. I inferred that she was paying attention to my cues, and knew how hopeless I was feeling. Not for the first time, I wondered if she could read my mind. Her eyes moved to the principal. "I'm sorry for breaking Mrs Cope's plant, Mr Green. It was an accident. I was angry at those bullies and at myself because I … upset Edward. Then, I was so furious at Edward for trying to drop out of Biology just to give in to their stupid demands! When I opened the door, I had no idea that I could pull it that hard or that it would move that fast. Mrs Cope has been so kind to me. I really am sorry that her feelings were hurt and that I caused damage to the Office."
Wish all the kids who apologized to me were this sincere. "All right, Isabella. The first thing you're going to do is apologize to Mrs Cope. It wouldn't hurt to bring her a new plant to keep Stanley company either." Green clicked his ballpoint pen in and out in an impatient fashion.
Bella brightened. "Yes, Sir, I can give her one of my little cacti."
Green inclined his head. "Good. I think that would be very nice. He turned his attention to me. "How long has this bullying been going on, Edward?" Damn bullies are so sneaky. It's so hard to catch them, and they don't even go to this school.
"Practically since we got here," I said truthfully.
"But..." Green looked appalled. "That's what, a couple of years?"
"We came here in the summer of 2002," Carlisle frowned. "Edward, why didn't any of you kids tell me this has been going on so long?"
I shrugged, feeling pretty stupid. "I figured it was all talk. And don't be mad at Em and Jazz, they don't know. I was afraid they would confront the Quileute and make the situation worse, so I didn't tell anyone."
We'll be discussing this later, Carlisle thought. I bowed my head and he returned his attention to the principal.
"Did you know about this, Isabella?" Green demanded.
"Not until yesterday, Sir," she told him. "And Edward wouldn't talk to me today, after I asked him about it."
"Do you know the names of any of these boys, Edward?" Green asked.
I swallowed hard. Would naming names incite retribution from the Kwoli Warriors? "No," I said, unable to meet the principal's eyes.
"Edward!" Carlisle huffed. When did you get so bad at lying? Desist now! This abuse must stop.
I cringed. "Okay, okay! The guy who was here today was called Paul Hudson. I've heard one mentioned, named Sam, but I don't know who he is. Most of these guys don't go to high school. They're too old." Lucky bastards.
Mr Green sighed. I wish these kids had gone to an adult for help, rather than behave so badly. Now I have to discipline them instead of simply helping Edward out. "All right. Since you've already paid adequate money for the damages, we'll let you both off with a warning instead of pressing charges."
"Thank you," Bella sighed in relief. At least that was some comfort.
Green pressed his lips together. "No more antisocial behaviour at school, Isabella. When you have a problem, use words to solve it. You're a bright girl. Don't descend to this kind of thing, please." I see enough of Mallory and her clique in here.
"Yes, Sir," she said, blushing.
"Mr Green," Carlisle frowned, "I would ask you to please not interview my other children concerning this matter, unless you want to provoke a gang war. My kids are very protective of Edward because he's the youngest of the boys, and he's had trouble making friends here. They're hovering enough over him, because he's been so ill."
◊Thank you, Carlisle. Like they haven't already heard everything that's been said here? We'll be lucky if they aren't halfway to LaPush already. I just had to roll my eyes. And who could blame me for that?
"That sounds wise, Doctor Cullen. I will leave what you tell your kids up to your discretion. Since both your elder sons were hanging around the office, however, and your daughters are missing from class, you are going to have to give them some excuse for being here," he suggested. Emmett could put the fear of God into those boys, but I can't tell him to go threaten them back.
"I'll handle them," Carlisle promised smoothly. He eyed me coolly. I wish you'd firm up your mate bond and take Bella to Europe for the next hundred years. The Wolves wouldn't follow you there.
"Perhaps your brothers could teach you some self-defence moves, just in case you ever find yourself cornered," Mr Green suggested. To say I was surprised was an understatement.
"Actually, Sir, I can handle myself, but I don't get in fights because of my health concerns," I told him.
Swell, Charlie thought. Boy's got a blood disease. I really need to have that chat with Bells.
Fuck my life.
The principal focused on my mate. "Isabella? You disrupted a class, and the Office, left without permission during school, and damaged property. You are suspended for what's left of today, and the whole day, tomorrow. Be back Thursday, on time," Green ordered, writing directions on his notepad. "You will report for detention on Thursday and Friday."
"Yes, Sir," Bella murmured, pink-cheeked.
"Edward? You left school without permission and your part in this incident is inexcusable. You will report for detention tomorrow, Thursday and Friday." He wrote out a note. "You are suspended for the rest of the day."
I ducked my head. "Yes, Sir."
Mr Green looked pensively at Carlisle. All the perfect Cullens are going to fall off their pedestals today. "Doctor Cullen, I wouldn't be expecting any of your kids home on time this week. The rest of them have detention for cutting class, too."
"I would hope for no less, Mr Green."
"Did Rosalie cut class too, Sir?" I asked fretfully. If she didn't cut class and was lumped in with the rest of us, she would have my balls.
"She did," Green confirmed. Now why should I feel so honoured? Well, I never expected Rose to be worried about me. How… touching.
The principal stood, offering his hand to Charlie, and then Carlisle. "Thank you for coming in, gentlemen. I'm sorry your work day was disrupted."
"Any time," Charlie said firmly.
"My kids come first, Mr Green. Never hesitate to call me if you have any concerns," Carlisle said.
Green nodded and watched my mate and me. "Edward and Bella, why are you not in the National Junior Honour Society?" These two need something to do. They're too smart for their own good. Probably bored. Of course, his attendance is atrocious.
Bella blinked. "I've only been here a few weeks, but I'd be thrilled to take part, Mr Green."
"Excellent." Green's eyes focused on me.
I cleared my throat. "I, um, have a place at Dartmouth already," I hedged.
Green frowned. "An honour of that distinction could take you far." I wonder… is he lazy or arrogant?
◊Yeah, there are only eighteen absences allowed per year. Right. "Um, due to my health concerns, I miss too much school to qualify," I said sheepishly.
That's true. Fifty-four absences last year. "Well, perhaps you could try to miss less next year," he suggested.
"I'm afraid that's not possible," Carlisle told him gently. "Bright sun can be very damaging to our eyes."
Our principal was starting to get stumped. And the charitable trust Edward founded that would demonstrate leadership is meant to be kept anonymous. The Honour Society probably won't accept him, but I'll still put his name in. Shame he's such a lone wolf. Bella, she'll get in. Hmm… Maybe if these two had volunteer work to do they wouldn't have such idle hands.
"Well, it would be worth a try to get in, anyway. Regardless, you need volunteer hours in order to graduate, young man," Green told me. "And as far as I know, you haven't performed any, whereas Bella –according to her file- has twenty hours out of the forty hours required. Be a shame if you were held back from college because you failed to do something so simple."
Well, shit. "Yes, Sir," I said fretfully. The last thing I wanted to do was spend extracurricular time with humans. Well, most humans.
He wrote a note in his day planner. "I would advise both of you to try to join the NHS next year. I will recommend you, but there are various criteria that you have to fulfill in order to be accepted. If you want to be inducted, you'll also have to do fundraising, maintain a 3.8 GPA, miss as little school as possible, and join some teams. Regardless, you need to think about where you want to volunteer." His eyes flickered to the door, where Austin Marks and a kid called Conner were being pulled in by Coach Clapp for fighting. "Good day, everyone. Please excuse me, apparently I have more fish to fry."
After our fathers thanked Mr Green, and Bella apologized to Mrs Cope, we all got up and left. Out in the parking lot, Charlie gave me a consoling pat. "You can come over to our house, now. Sounds like you and Bella have some things to discuss."
"No, I can't," I said, blinking furiously. "They hate us. Don't you understand that they will never, ever leave my family alone, if I don't stay away from the daughter of their Chief's best friend?" My heart was full of tears that could never fall. "They could hurt my sisters, or my mother. Or Bella."
How many times can a heart break before it stops recovering? I turned to my… my… the girl… no, I had to acknowledge that Isabella Marie Swan really was my mate, and… and I couldn't have her. "I'm sorry, Bella. I never wanted you to suffer like this. Please don't ... don't be angry. I can't bear it." I pressed my lips together so the dry-tears couldn't come, and then, steeling myself, I turned to flee.
"What! You're still breaking up with me?" she asked shrilly, chasing after me and grabbing onto my sleeve. I let her pull me around and she stared into my eyes as though she could lever answers directly from my brain.
I jammed my hands into my pockets. "It's not that I want to, Isabella, but I don't see that I have a choice. Do you think that gang cares in the least about following the law? They could hurt you, Bella, to get to me. Beat you, harass you." Rape you. "I can't stand the thought of any harm coming to you. They could use you, to get control of me."
"Edward-" Charlie argued.
I shook my head, feeling hopeless. "No, Sir. I will not endanger your daughter like that. She means too much to me. Maybe we can still be friends at school, Bella, but I don't dare let them make good on their threats." I backed off, climbing into my car, where I sat immobile, pinching my eyes shut. I was so conflicted. My head hurt so badly that I wanted to vomit.
"What on earth have they done to him?" Charlie asked sorrowfully.
Carlisle sighed and shook his head. "It's inexcusable. I can't believe my son didn't come to me. The Quileutes are prejudiced against people with our health condition because our appearance mimics something bad in their folklore. Many of them won't even come to the hospital because I work there. It's why we don't discuss our health, even though our condition is not contagious. When people find out what ails us, they ask intrusive questions. The kids don't like it." His fists clenched despite his calm face, and Charlie noticed. " Doesn't seem to matter what we say or do, people always judge," Carlisle murmured.
"It doesn't matter what other people think," Bella cried softly. I could smell her tears, even with the car windows shut. "You and Edward can trust me, I promise. I wouldn't hurt any of you."
Carlisle's appreciation for Bella grew in leaps and bounds in that moment. I claim her for my daughter. You'd better not throw this blessing away, Edward. I never imagined having her or her Dad express so much support for your suit. Praise God.
Was he serious? God let this fucked-up beyond-all-repair relationship happen. God hated me.
Carlisle spoke gently to my m-mate. "My son's going to need time, Bella, to get his head wrapped around this. He's had a hard life. His parents died under tragic circumstances. It took him years to trust us. He's a loner. Give him his space. Take it slow. He's a smart boy, he'll figure it out."
I had to figure something out. Like how to get through the next hour without Bella.
"Is he really as smart as a biology professor at Oxford?" Charlie wondered aloud.
Through Charlie's eyes, I Saw Carlisle smile affectionately. "Hah. Biology, music, languages, maths... He's a genius. Much smarter than I am. He's already done two years of Pre-Med through correspondence."
Yeah, I did two medical degrees, the last being forty-odd years ago, and I had been working on accumulating credits at Dartmouth College since 2002, in hopes of someday being able to get out of high school purgatory.
"He never told me," Bella said, sounding stricken.
Carlisle sighed again. "The last time he told someone about one of his gifts, he started getting bullied. He changed schools and dropped out of Music and Drama."
He could use a little more guts, Charlie thought. But he certainly has reason to be insecure. Genius. Huh. Impressive. Kid's smart, courteous, and protective of Bella. I like him,
◊Wait… did I just Hear everything he thought? I felt an odd mixture of pride and shame. I wonder if he'd still like me if he knew who I really was…
Oh, well. Let Carlisle talk me up, and let Charlie Swan be impressed. His approval no longer mattered, as I wasn't going to back down. I would distance myself from Isabella Marie Swan. I would love her in silence, and keep her safe.
I decided I had heard enough, started the Volvo, and pulled out.
"I wish he'd trust me," Bella fretted. "Are you sure we should let him go off like this?"
"He's not going anywhere, Bella, don't worry," Carlisle said calmly.
The voices, and the comfort of my mate's presence, faded as I turned off the street. I felt the golden thread of connection stretch between me and Bella, until it was fine as a filament. It shouldn't matter that I was not close enough to touch her. I carried her with me, in my very being. And yet... was it enough?
That night, I sat in a tree outside her window, listening to her complete her bedtime ablutions. Finally, she put herself to bed. She wept, then her breathing evened out, and her exhausted body sank into the rhythms of sleep. I just couldn't seem to leave. How was I supposed to stay away from my mate?
I crept to the front door, took the key from under the eave, and let myself in. Slipping off my shoes, I tiptoed into her room, then sat in her rocking chair, so I could watch her sleep. She was so beautiful to me: long lashes upon fair skin, her tear-damp tresses fanned out upon her pillow, her blush lips full and begging kisses, her feminine figure so innocent and yet tempting beneath the pale blue sheet and purple comforter.
Would it not be fair to kneel at her bedside and steal a kiss? No, not a good idea. It would be much too easy for me to whisper my declaration and lie with her there. Were we to join, I would want to keep her forever. And logic told me I ought to be staying away from her, for her own good.
For a long time, I thought about what I should do. Then, I thought about what I wanted to do. Then, I thought about what the consequences of either leaving Bella, or keeping her, might be. If I were very, very good, perhaps there would be some kind of miracle for us. There had to an answer. There had to be.
I sat in the chair, unconsciously rocking, and fantasized about what a future with Bella Swan as my eternal mate might look like. It… would be so easy… I sang The Song of Solomon to her under my breath, secure in the knowledge that she couldn't hear me:
"Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock,
In the secret places of the stairs,
Let me see thy countenance,
Let me hear thy voice;
For sweet is thy voice;
And thy countenance is comely."
My lovely one murmured a little and shifted in her sleep. "Edward."
Oops.
Busted!
As I sat frozen, she moaned, drew up her legs, and rolled over. "Edward?"
I realized she was asleep.
"Edward!" she sighed loudly, almost angrily, sprawling out. I stared, fascinated. My Bella talked in her sleep. I felt my body respond. There was nothing I wanted more than to get up and go to her, but I wouldn't disrespect my Bella by taking her that way.
"Edward?" she asked breathily, her hand ghosting over the pillow and creeping under the sheets.
Surely she wasn't going to have one of those kinds of dreams. No. Never happen. My Bella was an innocent young girl.
"Yes?" I breathed, wondering what she wanted of me.
"Do you still love me?"
"Yes. I will love you always."
"Touch me," she whimpered, ghosting her hand downward, under the blanket.
Holy Hannah. My world rocked: my Bella had… desires and ... so… did… I.
I gulped down venom, staring at the path of her fingers as they traveled beneath the sheets. It wouldn't be right to… it was not appropriate. I pushed against my groin, forcing the immoral traitor down, and stopped dead again, caught in sensation. Ohhhhh… so good.
A little rub. Just a little… oh, yeah …
Bella's fingers were stroking, stroking … I mirrored her actions, dreaming of touching… so good and… More. Must have more. My hand crept inside the waistband of my jeans… into my underwear.
Ecstasy.
She whimpered, writhing, and her legs flexed. Yes…
I grasped my cock and pumped it, wondering if I could lift Bella's blanket without waking her. But if I disturbed her, I wouldn't get to see.
Close. So close.
My jeans were too restrictive. I put those of my fingers that weren't occupied on my zipper and eased it down.
"Edward?" she mewled.
"Bella," I moaned, struggling to free my cock. I stroked it in time with her motions.
"You feel so good," she whimpered.
"Yessss…"
"Unh. Unh. Ahhhhhh-mmm..."
I gasped, and came, my head sagging back onto the old chair. For a few seconds, I floated euphorically, thoroughly relaxed in the chair, my dick warm, wet and flaccid beneath my hand.
She stilled, stretched, and rolled over. "I love you."
I stared at my mate in shock. Although she had written it in her note, it was the first time I had actually heard it from her lips. I replayed her words in my mind, thankful for once that I would always remember this moment, and the emotions would never fade. The most delectable scent I had ever smelled saturated the air. And then the unsurpassed feeling of giddy relief, that I had experienced the first day we met, was back, along with my smile. "I love you, too."
Perhaps I ought to have been feeling guilty. What did I know? I didn't think Emmett or Jasper would regret such an experience with their mates, though. I had to admit, whatever the stalker-ish new nature I had assumed meant about my character, that I really, really wanted to do it again. It wasn't hurting my mate. She was asleep and not to be held accountable, so why not… share this?
I wondered what this new temptation, and my failure to resist it, meant about me. My parents would have been mortified.
I scanned Bella's room for a Kleenex, or anything else I could use to clean myself up. There was something dark wadded up under the edge of the bed. Perhaps a sock? That would have to do. I could take it home and wash it, then return it without her being the wiser. I crouched silently beside her bed and grabbed it.
Oh, fuck! Not a sock, a pair of plain navy cotton panties. Did I dare?
Clenching my jaw, I stood, rubbed it over my privates, tucked my dick away, and then zipped my jeans. Bella's panties: so soft and cool. Had she been wearing them when she got in bed, and kicked them away? Shamelessly, I raised them to my face and tested the scent. They smelled of both of us, as though we had made love. I moaned loudly, every cell in my reprobate body zinging to life.
Bella shot upright, her eyes wild, and saw me standing at the foot of her bed. I froze, petrified -with her underwear hidden behind my back- until she whirled to turn on her bedside lamp. As soon as her eyes left me, I dove under the bed. Several seconds passed, then she heaved a huge sigh, and leaned over to turn the light back out.
"Hmph!" she muttered, smacking her pillow a few times. "I actually thought that was real. I could have sworn he was making love to me. Stupid overprotective vampire needs to get with the Twenty-first Century. Figures that he's not brave enough to be here. Ass-hat." She blew out a breath. "Best experience of my entire life, and it's only a dream. Damn, I wish he were here to hold me." Huffing a sigh or two, she tossed from side to side in the bed, squirmed a little, and yawned hugely. Then, she slipped back to sleep, seemingly a lot less troubled than before my arrival.
How could love be wrong? She loved me. She loved me in every possible way, the same as I loved her. Surely, we could work through our challenges. There just had to be a way to make this work.
I rose, walked silently over to the rocking chair, eased myself into it, and rocked 'til dawn.
